Each year brings with it a fresh batch of horror games to frighten gamers, and 2020 was no different. There were manygreat horror games released in 2020, including some brand new IP as well as new entries in well-established franchises. However, 2021 is set to be an even bigger year for fans of the horror genre.
There are quite a few big horror games releasing in 2021, ranging from big budget titles to smaller scale games that may prove to be sleeper hits. 2021’s horror games include single-player fright-fests and cooperative action experiences, ensuring that there’s a little something for horror fans of all kinds.
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Here are the 10 most anticipated horror games of 2021. Keep in mind that this list only includes horror games that have a confirmed 2021 release date. Therefore, titles whose release dates are TBA or games that are only rumored for 2021, like the supposedSilent HillPS5 exclusive, are not eligible.
Back 4 Blood
Turtle Rock Studios put itself on the map with the critically-acclaimedLeft 4 Dead, and while the studio has put out some high-quality work since then, it has yet to reach those same heights. But while Turtle Rock isn’t makingLeft 4 Dead 3, the studio is creating a spiritual successor in the form ofBack 4 Blood, which is likely theclosest thing toLeft 4 Dead 3that franchise fans can expect for some time.
Back 4 Bloodlooks and plays almost exactly like aLeft 4 Deadgame, but with vastly improved graphics, more zombie types, and new playable characters. Already available in closed alpha form,Back 4 Blood’s proper release is scheduled to take place this coming summer, soLeft 4 Deadfans should have something new to play within the next six months or so, barring any unforeseen delays.
Back 4 Bloodlaunches June 22 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Dying Light 2
Dying Light 2’s gameplay presentations have all been fairly impressive so far, with praise given to the game’s open world, branching narrative, and zombie-slaying gameplay. Originally announced during Microsoft’s E3 2018 press conference, new information onDying Light 2has slowed down in recent times, though the game is still expected to launch at some point later this year. MoreDying Light 2information has already been teased for 2021, so fans should keep their fingers crossed that they will learn more about theopen world horror gamesooner rather than later.
Dying Light 2is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Little Nightmares 2
The originalLittle Nightmareswas generally well-received by critics and horror gaming fans who were impressed by its macabre, Tim Burton-esque art style, disturbing imagery, and solid platforming/puzzle gameplay.Little Nightmares 2looks as though it will be just as creepy as the original game, featuring new creatures for players to encounter and terrifying new locations to explore. ALittle Nightmares 2demois available for fans to try if they want a taste before the game’s proper release next month.
Little Nightmares 2launches February 11 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Martha is Dead
Martha is Deadis a bit of a strange game. Originally, it was promoted as aPS5 horror game with photorealistic graphics. Then a few months later, it seemed as thoughMartha is Deadwould be an Xbox Series X exclusive. And finally, a few months after that, it was clarified thatMartha is Deadwould indeed be launching on PlayStation consoles as well.Martha is Dead’s somewhat muddy release history aside, the game looks like it will be one of the more original horror games releasing in 2021. Set during World War 2, players take on the role of the titular Martha’s sister shortly after her brutal murder. Billed as a psychological horror game, it will be interesting to see if the fullMartha is Deadgame manages to be as creepy as its trailers.
Martha is Deadwill launch in 2021 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
The Medium
One of the first major horror games of 2021 is Bloober Team’sThe Medium. Bloober Team is trying to establish itself as one of the premiere video game developers when it comes to horror titles, andThe Mediummay very well help it accomplish that goal. A deviation from Bloober Team’s typical brand of first-person horror games,The Mediuminstead takes inspiration from classic survival-horror titles likeSilent Hill, all the while utilizing a next-gen only gimmick where players are able to explore two versions of the same place at the same time.The Medium’s status as an Xbox Series X console exclusivehas given it an even bigger profile than it would have had otherwise, and it’s just a matter of weeks until fans find out if it lives up to expectations or not.
The Mediumlaunches January 28 for PC and Xbox Series X.
The Outlast Trials
Over the past decade, theOutlastseries has earned a well-deserved reputation for being one of the scariest gaming franchises on the market. All of theOutlastgames released so far have been notable for their ability to genuinely scare players, partly thanks to their claustrophobic atmospheres and how they build a sense of isolation in the player.The Outlast Trialsis going in a way different direction, embracing multiplayer gameplay over the single-player content that fans have come to expect from the series. Not much has been shown ofThe Outlast Trialsso far, but developer Red Barrels is hoping to release it at some point later this year, with a properOutlast 3to follow at some point later on.
The Outlast Trialsis in development for unspecified platforms.
Rainbow Six Quarantine
Tactical-shooter seriesRainbow Sixhas been known to keep itself mostly grounded in reality, but that’s going to change with theupcomingRainbow Six Quarantine.Rainbow Six Quarantinewill build on the foundation ofRainbow Six Siegeto deliver a three-player co-op shooter where players have to contend with alien parasites. TheRainbow Sixfranchise has never really ventured into the horror genre in the past, but Ubisoft Montreal’s track record of delivering high-quality, well-received games speaks for itself.
Rainbow Six Quarantineis in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Resident Evil 8
Following several entries that were more action-oriented,Resident Evil 7took Capcom’s premiere franchise back to its survival-horror roots. The game’s use of a first-person viewpoint as opposed to the traditional third-person camera stirred up controversy prior to its launch, butResident Evil 7proved to be true to the spirit of the original games, with a focus on horror, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
Capcom is now following upResident Evil 7with the upcomingResident Evil 8, set to launch later this year for next-gen platforms (and possibly current-gen systems as well, though that has yet to be officially confirmed). Serving as a direct sequel toResident Evil 7,Resident Evil 8once again features protagonist Ethan Winters as he finds himself up against all kinds of horrific monstrosities. The setting this time is a rural European village, where fans can expect to run into everything from traditionalResident Evilmonsters to werewolves.
LongtimeResident Evilhero Chris Redfieldwill also be appearing inResident Evil 8, though his exact role in the story has yet to be revealed. Rumor has it that theResident Evil 8release date will be at some point in April, so it’s likely Capcom will reveal more about the highly-anticipated survival-horror game soon.
Resident Evil 8is in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
Returnal
Housemarque is best known for stylish twin-stick shooter games, most of which have been relatively small in scale. Housemarque’s next project is something that’s much bigger in scope, with2021’sReturnalserving as a big budget third-person shooter. Described as a psychological horror game,Returnalis a game where players have to explore a bizarre alien planet while stuck in a time loop. Like Housemarque’s previous games,Returnalmakes use of bright, colorful lights, but those eye-popping visuals are being paired with some dread-inducing imagery. It’s unclear how muchReturnalis going to lean into the horror genre, but its blend of sci-fi action and horror could be an intriguing combination.
Returnallaunches March 19, exclusively for the PS5.
Scorn
Scornwas first announced all the way back in 2016, but it’s finally expected to launch in 2021. A sci-fi horror game that’s set to be an Xbox Series X console exclusive,Scornuses sexually-charged imagery to disturb players, a technique seen in similar media like theAlienfranchise.Scornis otherwise a first-person shooter that has players exploring a grotesque alien world.Scornlooks like it will be one of the most visually-disturbing games released in quite some time, so it should be a good choice for horror fans who can stomach it.
Scornlaunches this year for PC and Xbox Series X.
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